GRADUATION SEASON: MEET NISHA KING-HAWKINS

It’s graduation season!! I love this time of year. An ending of a season and new beginnings! What better way to celebrate than to recognize some recent graduates! The sky is the limit for these graduates! I hope you are as inspired as I am. First up, Nisha King-Hawkins.

Name: Nisha King-Hawkins

Hometown: Miami Florida

Alma Mater(s): Thurgood Marshall School of Law/ Sam Houston State University

Major/ Field of Study: Law

Jen: Tell us a little about yourself.

Graduate: First and foremost, I am a Christian and a dedicated follower of Christ. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for his grace. Secondly, I’m a recent law school graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Class of 2018! I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in legal studies from Sam Houston State University in 2013 (Eat ‘Em Up Kats!). I am also a member of the best sorority in the world Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (oo-oop!). I love to travel and spend quality time with my friends and family. I’m also a part-time foodie/brunch fanatic. I love some good food! Last but not least, I am married to an amazing man of God! This summer will make our 1 year anniversary.

Jen: What degree did you obtain?

Graduate: I obtained my Juris Doctorate

Jen: What inspired you to get this degree?

Graduate: Honestly, since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be either a famous basketball player or a lawyer. When basketball didn’t pan out because of a serious injury, it was on to law. I’ve always had a passion for serving others and what better way to make an impact on someone’s life than to serve as their advocate! Additionally, when I was younger one of my childhood friends died in a mysterious way and I felt that not enough was done to find out exactly what happened to him.

Jen: What do you plan to do with your degree? What are your next steps?

Graduate: Land a job! Lol, but seriously I want to litigate so I hope to start my career working as an Assistant District Attorney or as an associate in a mid-size litigation firm. What I love about having a law degree is the opportunities are limitless. I can go the traditional route or the non-traditional or even both. Often times I flirt with the idea of becoming a professor so I can show my passion for law to future lawyers.

Jen: What was the most challenging aspect of obtaining your degree?

Graduate: The most challenging part of obtaining my degree was trying to balance everything. I had this idea coming into law school that I could handle it like I did undergrad, be extremely involved and master everything. I was extremely involved in law school so balancing everything and making sure my grades were where I wanted them to be was extremely tough at times. There were a lot of sleepless nights(I didn’t have those in undergrad) and times where I wanted to give up because of everything I did. However, God saw me through it all. Plus, I’m not a quitter, so I had to suck it up and get it done either way.

Jen: What advice can you give others who wish to pursue this degree?

Graduate: Buckle down and get it done! Keep God first and you can conqueror anything, even law school. Also, do it because this is what you truly want. Don’t do it for riches, fame, or for anyone else. If it is your passion, everything else you want will follow.

Jen: What advice can you give to the family and friends of those who wish to take this path?

Graduate: If this is your dream don’t let anything or anyone stop you from achieving it. Of course, there will be sacrifices, late nights, sleepless nights, failures, and wins but in the end, it is all worth it. It is never too late to pursue what you love.

Jen: We all know we don’t do it by ourselves. Who was instrumental in helping you achieve your goals and dream?

Graduate: My husband, hands down! He was with me every step of the way, even when I was studying for the LSAT. I often wonder how I would have managed without him, but I am thankful I didn’t have to.

Jen: Any last remarks?

Graduate: Never compare yourself to anyone else. Do what is right for you. If you keep looking at everyone else’s journey, then you will never be able to truly excel and enjoy yours. Don’t let fear hold you back!